ASRock
ASRock Z790M PG LIGHTNING/D4 DDR4 Motherboard
★★★★★
The ASRock Z790M PG Lightning/D4 squeezes full Z790 platform capability — PCIe 4.0 storage, DDR4 up to 5333+MHz OC, and Intel 13th Gen CPU support — into a compact Micro-ATX footprint.
$174.99*$219.99Save 20%
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jun 04, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.
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Overview
Key Features
Supports 13th Gen & 12th Gen Intel Core Processors
10+1+1 Phase Power Design, Dr.MOS for VCore+GT
4 x DDR4 DIMMs, supports up to 5333+(OC)
1 PCIe 4.0 x16, 1 PCIe 3.0 x16, 1 PCIe 3.0 x1, 1 M.2 Key-E for WiFi
Graphics Output Options: 1 HDMI
Specifications
Form Factor
Micro-ATX
Chipset
Intel Z790
CPU Support
13th Gen & 12th Gen Intel Core (LGA1700)
Power Design
10+1+1 Phase, Dr.MOS (VCore+GT)
Memory
4x DDR4 DIMM, up to 5333+(OC)
M.2 Slots
2x Hyper M.2 (PCIe Gen4x4 / PCIe Gen4x4 + SATA3)
SATA Ports
4x SATA3
PCIe Slots
1x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x1
WiFi
M.2 Key-E slot (module sold separately)
LAN
Intel 1G
Audio
7.1 CH HD (Realtek ALC897), Nahimic Audio
USB (Rear)
1x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C, 1x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A, 4x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A, 2x USB 2.0
Graphics Output
1x HDMI
Pros & Cons
👍 Pros
- Full Z790 chipset on a Micro-ATX footprint delivers the overclocking and PCIe bandwidth capabilities of a full-size platform without mandating a large ATX case — a meaningful advantage for compact high-performance builds.
- Two PCIe Gen 4x4 M.2 slots support current-generation NVMe SSDs at maximum platform bandwidth, eliminating storage bottlenecks for users running fast SSDs like the Samsung 990 Pro or WD Black SN850X.
- DDR4 compatibility up to 5333+(OC) lets users leverage existing DDR4 kits at high speeds rather than purchasing a new DDR5 memory kit, reducing total build cost without sacrificing meaningful real-world performance for most workloads.
- The 10+1+1 phase Dr.MOS power design provides sufficient VRM stability for running 13th Gen K-series CPUs under extended full-load workloads without thermal throttling at the voltage regulator stage.
- USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C on both the rear I/O and front panel header covers both desk connectivity and case front-panel requirements for high-speed external storage and device charging.
👎 Cons
- The single HDMI graphics output for integrated graphics is limited to one monitor — users who need multi-monitor display output via integrated graphics cannot do so without a discrete GPU.
- No built-in WiFi is an omission that requires a separate M.2 Key-E module purchase, adding cost and complexity for users who need wireless connectivity in a compact build.
- Micro-ATX form factor limits GPU clearance and overall expansion slot count compared to full ATX boards — users who run multiple discrete PCIe cards (capture card, NIC, GPU simultaneously) will find the slot count constraining.
- Realtek ALC897 audio codec is a mid-tier solution — audiophiles or streamers who want clean analog output without a dedicated audio interface will likely find its noise floor and SNR insufficient for professional audio work.
- DDR4-only support means this board has a shorter generational runway than DDR5-based Z790 alternatives — as DDR4 platforms mature, upgradeability options narrow compared to DDR5 builds that can accommodate future memory tier improvements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this board support both 12th and 13th Gen Intel processors without a BIOS update?
Both generations are supported, but whether a BIOS update is required depends on board revision and shipping firmware. If you pair it with a 13th Gen CPU out of the box, confirm the installed BIOS version supports Raptor Lake before first boot — ASRock's website provides BIOS update files if needed, and the board can be flashed with a compatible 12th Gen CPU first.
What is the advantage of the 10+1+1 phase power design with Dr.MOS for this platform?
More power phases distribute VRM load across more components, which reduces heat per phase and improves voltage stability under sustained CPU load. Dr.MOS integrates driver, high-side, and low-side MOSFETs into a single package for improved efficiency. For users running stock frequencies this is headroom you won't fully use; for overclocking 13th Gen K-series CPUs it provides meaningful thermal margin that cheaper VRM configurations don't offer.
Does this board support DDR4 or DDR5 memory?
DDR4 only — the /D4 designation in the model name explicitly indicates DDR4 DIMM slots. This board does not accept DDR5 modules. Four DIMM slots support up to 5333MHz+ in overclocked configurations, offering strong DDR4 performance headroom for users who already have a DDR4 kit or want to avoid DDR5 pricing.
How many M.2 NVMe slots does the board provide, and what speeds do they support?
There are two M.2 slots, both labeled Hyper M.2 — one supports PCIe Gen 4x4, and the second supports PCIe Gen 4x4 and SATA3. Both slots support current-generation NVMe SSDs at full PCIe 4.0 bandwidth (up to approximately 7,000 MB/s sequential read for capable drives).
Is WiFi built in, or does it need to be added?
WiFi is not built in. The board includes an M.2 Key-E slot specifically for a WiFi module, but the module itself must be purchased separately. If wireless connectivity is required, factor that accessory cost into the build.
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